Due to precautions related to the COVID-19 response, Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Karen St. Germain has announced that four OMV locations will be closed effective today. During the closure, online OMV services will remain available to the public. Citizens may also take advantage of available Public Tag Agent locations.

In addition to previously closed offices, OMV locations in Alexandria, Lafayette, Monroe, and Shreveport will remain closed to the public upon the positive testing of an OMV employee. The OMV employee testing positive for COVID-19 served in an administrative role at several locations and did not have interactions with the public.

Customers are urged to continue utilizing the OMV website at http://www.expresslane.org for available online services such as driver license renewals, identification card renewals, official driving records, and duplicate registrations.

Customers are also encouraged to check their driver license status by visiting http://www.expresslane.org regarding flags, blocks, suspensions or disqualifications. If a customer has flags on their record, they must clear those flags prior to obtaining any OMV services.

The following OMV offices are closed until further notice:

Alexandria
Arcadia
Bogalusa
Clinton
Crowley
Dequincy
Harvey
Houma
Jonesboro
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Monroe
Oakdale
Shreveport
Tallulah

If customers are seeking reinstatements, these will only be provided via phone, mail or a Public Tag Agency. Those customers seeking reinstatements must use one of the following options:

OMV Call Center:
225-925-6146 – Option #3

OMV Mail Center:
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, La. 70896

Contact your local PTA to ensure they can provide the reinstatement service you need.

For an up to date and complete listing of all open OMV locations and PTA offices, please visit our website at https://offices.omv.la.gov/.

USA Today recently published a list of the poorest towns in each state and Natchitoches made the list for Louisiana.

The article states that the poorest towns in each state typically have median household income tens of thousands below the rest of the state. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed federal data on median annual household income in over 2,600 cities, towns, villages, and Census designated places to identify the poorest town in every state.

Louisiana: Natchitoches
• Median household income: $21,854 (state: $47,942)
• Poverty rate: 46.8% (state: 19.4%)
• Median home value: $156,000 (state: $157,800)
• Population: 18,080

Attend the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum’s July Program: “In the Blind,” Documentary Screening and Q&A with producer, writer, and director Emma Lou Reid. This event will be held Thursday, July 9 from 6-7:30 pm at the museum.

“In the Blind”, is a powerful new documentary that traces the unique traditions and rich culture of waterfowl hunting in Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise and explores the sport’s relevance in a global conservation effort to preserve and restore waterfowl populations, migratory flyways and fragile habitat of this imperiled region.

“In the Blind” transports audiences across Louisiana from coastal marshes to flooded forests to trace the history of some of the region’s most famous hunting clubs and public land hunting spots, along with the traditions and cuisine that make up this unique, renowned culture. The program features an immersive, “day in the life” of the sport’s most passionate participants, from the hunters and guides, to the card players, storytellers, cooks, decoy carvers, call-makers, wildlife conservationists, land managers and environmental journalists.

Popcorn and drinks provided by FLASH. Come join us for a fun and informative evening! State regulations regarding physical distancing and cleanliness will be followed.

Free and open to the public.

Please visit our website or call (318) 357-2492 for more information.

A public hearing for the Natchitoches Levee & Drainage District will be held Tuesday, July 14 at 7 pm at the Natchitoches Municipal Building, located at 560 Second Street (next to the Fire Station).

To hear public comments regarding adopting the adjusted millage rate(s) and regarding setting forth the adjusted millage rate(s) and roll-forward to millage rate(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized

Public Comments
Complete Planning & Evaluation Forms for all employees
Appoint a Secretary/Treasurer
Employee Merit Raises
Discussion Regarding Bank Erosion at Lake End to Bayou Pierre Non Federal Levee, Campti to Clarence Federal Levee, and Natchitoches
Federal Levee

Close Public Hearing: Adjourn.

II. A public meeting will be held Tuesday, July 14 at 7:15 pm or immediately following the public hearing.

AGENDA:

Call to Order
Roll Call
Recognition of Guests
Motions to Supplement Agenda
Approval of Minutes from last meeting, June, 2020
Approval of June, 2020 Financial Statement Reports
Maintenance Superintendent’s Report by Billy Dunn
DOTD Report by Brad Sticker
Administrator’s Report by Karlton Methvin
Bills and Communications

New Business:

Adopt the adjusted millage rate(s)
Set forth the adjusted millage rate(s) and roll forward to millage rate(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized rate(s)
Complete Planning & Evaluation Forms for all employees
Appoint a Secretary/Treasurer
Employee Merit Raises
Discussion Regarding Bank Erosion at Lake End to Bayou Pierre Non Federal Levee, Campti to Clarence Federal Levee, and Natchitoches Federal Levee

Natchitoches Levee & Drainage District
616 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA
318/352-2302

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Ronald E. Corkern, Jr., at (318)352-2302, ext. 114.

NATCHITOCHES:
Truman Maynard
April 03, 1938 – July 03, 2020
A Memorial service to honor his life will be scheduled at a later date, once the social gathering restrictions with the Covid-19 pandemic are eased.

SABINE:
Raydon Maxie Thaxton
October 31, 1919 – July 4, 2020
Service: Tuesday, July 7 at 10 am at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

WINN:
Ernestine Willis
December 05, 1930 – July 05, 2020
Service: Friday, July 10 at 11:30 am at Hurricane Grove Cemetery

Early Voting for the July 11, 2020 Election has ended.

TOTALS	In Person	Mail In
2,641	1,814	827

WHITE	BLACK	OTHER
1,355	1,209	77

• As reported by the Secretary of State

Election Day is July 11, 2020 and will take place at the precent where you are registered to vote.  If you did not vote early in-person or by mail, please make sure you vote this Saturday – July 11, 2020.

Defend Against COVID-19

Defend Against COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Recognize the symptoms. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Stay home especially if you are sick.

Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft. Social distancing means keeping 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others. This helps to prevent the spread of illness.

The Natchitoches Downtown Riverbank was the place to be as the city put on one of its signature fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day. The eager crowd gathered at the water’s edge and riverbank seating area. The show, as always, did not disappoint with its usual strong beginning and a crescendo at the end worthy of an artillery barrage. The City of Natchitoches is one of the finest fireworks venues in the USA. Happy birthday America!

The 244th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was not the only thing being celebrated in downtown Natchitoches that evening. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum hosted its first wedding Saturday, July 4. Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher and Zacchea Lewis were married at the museum and also held their reception at the venue. Kristopher is a Natchitoches native and is an alumni of Dillard University while Zacchea hails from Kentucky and is an alumnae of Berea College. The couple met while teaching in South Louisiana in the Teach for America program. The newlywed couple and bridal party lent a delightful lagniappe to the evening’s events as they left the museum as a group to see the fireworks.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to thank Mr. and Mrs. Lewis for their service to our state’s children and to extend our best wishes as they set out on their journey together. May the Lord grant them many years!

Early voting for the 2020 election for mayor of Natchitoches, Clarence and Powhatan, Natchitoches city council seats, police chief of Clarence, alderman for Clarence and Powhatan as well as presidential primaries for both political parties drew to a close Saturday, July 4 at the parish courthouse. The moving of election dates due to the COVID pandemic led to a unique opportunity, the ability to vote on the anniversary of America’s founding.

Ms. Shon Charles was the first person in Natchitoches Parish to cast her vote on July 4th. Ms. Charles was joined by a crowd of her fellow citizens who stretched down the courthouse hallway. It was Democracy in action and a wonderful way to celebrate the 244th anniversary of our nation’s founding.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend Ms. Shon and her fellow voters who made sure their voices will be heard!

By Donald Gates

July 4, 2020

On this Fourth of July the so called “Counter Culture” or “Cancel Culture” is wanting to abolish police departments, tear down statures and monuments, change the American flag and, now, change the American Anthem to John Lennon’s song Imagine. Enough is Enough!

Those old Stars and Strips are beautiful, and I love that old Anthem-it stirs deep emotions in me each time it is played. When that last stanza, “over the land of the free and the home of the brave”, reaches it’s crescendo-Wow. Any red-blooded American has to be moved!

Allow me to share with you a moment in my life when I was thus moved as our Flag was flown, and our Anthem was played so beautifully. During the last months of 1956, my tour of duty in the Army was winding down. My Company Commander nominated me to represent the Company in the Soldier of the Month competition. I was surprised and honored when it was announced that I had won. An award ceremony was held on the parade ground of Fort Sam Houston. I was awarded a citation and an ID bracelet by the Commanding General of the Fort and a Korean War hero was awarded a medal. As shown in the newspaper clipping below, we stood in front of the Flag as the band played the National Anthem and the parade began.

It is impossible for me to describe the patriotic pride I was experiencing at that time. The band was playing martial music, the Flag was flying, and I was standing next to a hero. My heart was bursting with pride! I hope each of you have had experiences that have made you proud to be an American. And now there are those in this great country who want to take our Flag away and change the National Anthem. Never!

At this point, I took a break in writing this document in order to see a TV program scheduled to begin a 6pm. The ABC channel in Shreveport had organized a patriotic program called Freedom Fest that included eight sites around the ArkLaTex area. The program included patriotic and religious music and interviews, culminating at 9:30 in a fireworks display from each area broadcasted simultaneously on eight sections of the TV screen. The interviews were with people of all races, religions, and nationalities. The pride these groups expressed in being citizens of this great country was inspiring. It was a tremendous Fourth of July Celebration.

As I watched this program and listened to comments of the people interviewed, my confidence that we can overcome the conflict we are experiencing now in our country was enhanced. We have always been able to come together as a nation to overcome adversity, including wars and national disasters. I want to continue to see Old Glory wave and feel that tremendous pride when the National Anthem reaches it’s crescendo with …and the home of the brave!

God Bless America!

PHOTO: I am pictured on the right

Instructional Math Videos Aligned to Top Curriculum to Broadcast Statewide July 6-31

In an effort to support continuous learning for all students during the summer months, the Louisiana Department of Education today announced it has expanded its partnership with Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) to televise high-quality math instruction on a regular schedule from July 6 to July 31.

The instructional programming, designed for all students in kindergarten through ninth grade, will be aligned to top-rated math curriculum and learning standards, meaning the broadcasts will help students build the skills and knowledge they need at each grade level.

In addition, the Department and LPB will continue to update the at-home learning resources now available on their websites.

“One lesson we’ve learned during the pandemic is that we need multiple avenues to deliver enriching content to our children,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Thanks to this partnership with Louisiana Public Broadcasting, more families have access to high-quality lessons and a suite of online resources.”

“When school facilities first closed, we quickly made at-home learning resources available online, but ensuring equitable access to a free and appropriate education requires thinking beyond computer and internet-based opportunities, utilizing the reach of LPB’s statewide over-the-air broadcasting network,” said LPB Deputy Director Christina Melton. “It is a role public broadcasting has pioneered for more than 45 years. We are excited about the prospect of reaching children of all ages who might otherwise not have had the same high-quality learning opportunities as their peers.”

The Department, in partnership with GreatMinds’ Eureka Math, Illustrative Mathematics, and SchoolKit, has developed videos for 140 lessons–eight lessons each for students in kindergarten through grade 2, 12 lessons each for students in grades 3-5, and 20 lessons each for students in grade 6-9. The lessons will be staggered by days of the week and grade level, and they will include closed captioning and audio descriptions to ensure accessibility for students with disabilities.

View the summer broadcasting schedule.

The lessons can be watched on Louisiana’s three public television channels, which can be accessed via an antenna or cable or satellite service. The videos will also be available via on-demand.

Parents can download and print the corresponding lessons for free. The videos explain which lesson and/or broadcasting document outlines all lessons (for one batch printing).

Great Minds Lessons: Download/print free Eureka Math curriculum materials. You will be prompted to set up a free account if you don’t already have one.

Illustrative Mathematics: Download/print free Illustrative Mathematics curriculum materials.

Following the summer initiative, the videos will continue to be utilized to train teachers, help families engage students at home and/or provide additional support to struggling students.

Beyond Louisiana, LPB is making these videos available to other local Public Broadcasting Stations (PBS) through a digital repository.

Learn how to access Louisiana’s instructional videos from your state’s public broadcasting station through free webinars July 8 and July 15 at 10 a.m. Registration is now open.

Natchitoches Parish Fire District 7 responded to the scene of a house fire in Robeline on Saturday, July 4 around 10:30 pm. Multiple units were on scene extinguishing the fire. No further information is available.

PHOTOS: Natchitoches Parish Fire District 7

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Attention Lakeview Junior-Senior High School Graduates and families and friends of Graduates! It gives me great pleasure to be able to announce the official graduation information for the commencement exercise of graduating seniors of the Class of 2020 of Lakeview Junior-Senior High School. This is a very exciting event that we have been waiting for quite a while. Though we understand the terms of graduation cannot be as traditional this year, we still uphold the importance, respect and honor of each graduating senior work and family member’s support which helped each senior to get to this important landmark. Graduation day is a day which earns a place in our permanent memory for accomplishment, success and provides a sense of completion. I am more than certain that all related family members, faculty and staff and the supporting community are proud of our graduating seniors at of Lakeview Junior-Senior High School. Below is information in which each senior shall need to successfully mark this dignified, memorable occasion.

William Hymes
Principal
Lakeview Junior-Senior High School

Graduation Practice:

JULY 10th is Graduation Practice at 9 AM at Turpin Stadium on NSU. Due to COVID 19 best practices and protocol, graduation practice in Northwestern State University’s Turpin Stadium is for graduates only, no parents or other family members will be allowed to enter the stadium. All students participating in the official commencement exercise must be at graduation practice in order to be included.
Due to COVID 19 best practices and protocol, students must wear a mask to practice and must enter on the EAST side (VISITORS) side of Turpin Stadium.

Graduation:

JULY 10th is Lakeview Junior-Senior High School’s graduation. The graduation ceremony will begin at 7 PM at Turpin Stadium at Northwestern State University. Gates will open at 6 PM, all graduating seniors should arrive at this time (6:00 PM) for ceremony preparation and alignment.
Graduates only will report to the EAST/VISITOR’s side of the stadium and all guest will proceed to the WEST/HOME side of Turpin.
Due to the state of Louisiana COVID 19 best practices and protocol each individual is required to wear a mask in order to entering Turpin Stadium and are required to sit in family units. Families shall be seated in odd numbered rows. Ushers and law enforcement will be available to provide on-site directions.
Due to COVID 19 best practices, once seated, families shall not be permitted to move throughout Turpin Stadium.

Parking:

Parking for both students and parents will be at Prather Coliseum and Kyser Hall.

Guests who have handicapped parking tags will be allowed to park in the lot directly across from the front of the stadium.

Per guidelines from Northwestern State University and the State Fire Marshal, parking shall be in every other parking space.
Family units are encouraged to travel together for the evening of graduation.

Family units shall maintain a 6 feet of distance from other arriving family units. This social distance protocol is included while walking to and from the stadium.
Guest Seating:

Due to COVID 19 best practices guests shall sit in family groups only in odd numbered rows at Turpin Stadium. Family units shall maintain 6 feet of space between other attending family units.
Seating will be assisted and monitored by Lakeview faculty and staff and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department.

Handicapped seating is designated and reserved to the first row in Turpin Stadium.

Once the ceremony has begun, entry into the stadium will be prohibited
Graduate Seating:

All graduating seniors of Lakeview Junior-Senior High School shall sit on the visitors’ (east) side of Turpin Stadium.
Graduating seniors shall enter from the from the east side of the stadium and be seated using rows 1 and 4. Each student shall maintain a 6 foot social distance from the adjoining student.

Dismissal:

Guests for the evening of graduation shall will be dismissed in, 2 section intervals at a time.
Due to COVID 19 best practices, the efforts of Northwestern State University and the efforts of the Natchitoches Parish school Board to provide a safe environment at this event; after graduation loitering, taking pictures in the stadium concourse, or parking areas shall be prohibited.
Parents, family members and students are asked and encouraged to convene to the appropriate vehicle and promptly dismiss from the University parking lot after the ceremony.

Thank you so much for your patience with our efforts to provide safety and observe COVID 19 protocol for each family at this event.

Northwestern State University’s virtual STEM camp was a success, according to Dr. Jafar Al-Sharab, head of the Department of Engineering Technology. It was the first virtual camp of its kind hosted at NSU, Al-Sharab said. The annual event is designed to interest youngsters in science, technology, engineering and mathematics using teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking in a fun and engaging format.

“Regardless of the pandemic, we tried to continue offering our annual robotics camp to our community. Both parents and students enjoyed our camp and loved the different provided activities,” he said.

The projects have been evaluated and winning posters will be displayed in the hallway of Williamson Hall, where ET is housed. First, second and third place winners will receive $100, $50 and $25 gift cards respectively and certificates.

Winners were:

1st place – Rayleigh Bertrand

2nd place – Jacob Hypes and Pierce Hyams

3rd place – Nathaniel Young and Jake Broadway

The camp was comprehensive with various STEM activities and a virtual tour of the Department of Engineering Technology showcasing labs, technology and equipment.

“Every year we try to add different activities, and this year we introduced presentation skills. Parents loved this component as it was evident from their comments and feedback. In addition, this year students’ projects were evaluated for prizes,” Al-Sharab said.

Projects are still being evaluated and winning posters will be displayed in the hallway of Williamson Hall, where ET is housed. First, second and third place winners will receive $100, $50 and $25 gift cards respectively and certificates.

Camp evaluation surveys indicated high satisfaction levels from parents, and that students would like future camps to be longer.

Information on NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology is available at https://engrtech.nsula.edu/.

Natchitoches Alligator Park Owners Deborah and Terry Rogers announced they were closing the park for good in May of 2020. A short time later, on June 29, the Rogers announced they’d found a family that would love to carry on their legacy: Gary and Shannon Saurage.

Gary opened Gator Country in Beaumont, TX in 2005. Gary and his team are known for rescuing nuisance alligators from people’s backyards, ponds, swimming pools, as well as gators stranded after severe weather like hurricanes and floods. Gator Country’s team of experts round them up, willing or not, and bring them to safety, which is a 15-acre preserve.

The new owners have already announced that the opening day for Gator Country Natchitoches will be April 1, 2021. In addition, the new owners will also continue the park’s partnership with Paragon Casino in Marksville. Shows in a natural swamp exhibit, which Terry is well known for doing at the casino, feature the park’s amazing alligators and help to educate the public on the American Alligator.

Northwestern State University Demons are turning up the heat this summer with a juried exhibition of pyrotechnical art by collegiate artists from across the United States. Due to COVID-19, 2020 Hotter ‘N Hell was exhibited virtually.

“The Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition features all art forms that use fire and heat as part of the creative process, for example, ceramics, glass-blowing, welded sculpture, poured metals, wood-burning, metalsmithing, burned textiles, fireworks, etc.,” said Phyllis Lear, professor of art and exhibition coordinator. “The 2020 exhibition hosted 46 works of art by 21 artists from 12 states.”

To view exhibition:

If interested in purchasing any of the works in the exhibition contact Lear at learp@nsula.edu.

Those who attended almost any Northwestern State sporting event during the 2019-20 athletic calendar likely saw Cade Stepp in attendance.

Stepp, the assistant director of recruitment technology and engineering at Northwestern State, is the winner of the yearlong Dr Pepper Demon Rewards sweepstakes. Stepp was presented with his prize package – a Yeti Cooler filled with NSU merchandise — before the Vic The Demon Ride Around and yard sign delivery June 24.

Stepp accumulated the most points throughout the sweepstakes. Points are earned by attending NSU athletic events and bonus points can be accumulated through participation in trivia and other in-game contests. Points can be redeemed for prizes like T-shirts, water bottles, sideline passes and more in the Dr Pepper Demon Rewards store.

“It’s exciting to be the Demon Rewards winner,” Stepp said. “I absolutely love Demon athletics and have gone to every event I could make since I came to school here in 2011. I never expected to win anything, but to win a prize from doing something I enjoy – watching NSU athletics – is awesome.”

Participation in Demon Rewards is open to anyone who attends NSU sporting events. Simply download the free Northwestern State Athletics mobile app from either the Apple Store or Google Play and register in the navigation menu. Users also can access NSU Athletics’ official online store (www.nsudemongear.com) through the app. 

Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

SABINE:
William (Duce) Malmay
February 2, 1942 – July 1, 2020
Service: Monday, July 6 at 10 am at St. Joseph Cemetery

WINN:
Harvey L McLendon
July 30, 1933 – June 30, 2020
Service: Monday, July 6 at 10 am in Squires Cemetery of the Summerville Community

Starlet Angel Breithaupt
November 13, 1972 – July 1, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Louis Cole Hanner
June 17, 1992 – June 30, 2020
Service: Monday, July 6 at 12 pm in the chapel of Kinner & Stevens

RED RIVER:
Billy “Bubba” Wayne Eddy
November 26, 1958 – July 01, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Karen Lynn Glover
September 21, 1960 – June 29, 2020
Service: Monday, July 6 at 2:30 pm at First Baptist Church

Defend Against COVID-19

Defend Against COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Recognize the symptoms. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Stay home especially if you are sick.

Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft. Social distancing means keeping 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others. This helps to prevent the spread of illness.

By Reba Phelps

The warm summer winds started to blow with a deeper purpose. The umbrellas were whipping around but they were too securely planted in the sand to blow away. The white-capped waves were growing larger as the sky was darkening. You could hear the unmistaken rumbles of thunder and even see beautiful lightning over the horizon. It was a beautiful scene but it also served as a warning that we would have to leave the beach soon.

A storm was brewing. We were not overly concerned because they are almost a daily occurrence on the white sand beaches of Florida. We thought it may pass over, but no such luck.

The bottom soon fell out and it left hundreds of beach-goers scrambling for shelter. Our family found a small place located under the rickety eaves of a beach snack shack. We were still slightly rained on but it offered enough protection.

Just as we were settling in and waiting for the storm to pass I noticed a mother pushing a wheel chair through the sand while her arms were loaded with beach bags. As if that wasn’t hard enough she also had kids with her. I was becoming anxious for them not knowing where they would go. In our tiny shelter there was literally no room left, even with everyone huddled tightly together.

I watched her huge smile as she struggled with the chair, the kids and the bags. It was a physical demand for her but you could tell she was full of joy and had done this a time or two.

Being the polite person that I was, I relocated my party into the rain to let the family enjoy our shelter, what little there was. After a few minutes of shuffling it seemed as though the space expanded where we could all fit. We were shoulder to shoulder and still half drenched but we made it work.

We gathered towels to cover our new friend’s husband in the chair and we began to get acquainted with each other.

We became fast friends and had an immediate connection that could only be ordained from above. She was a local who was enjoying a day at the beach with her family and meeting church family later for a baptism in the Gulf. As many times as I have visited the beach I have never witnessed a baptism, weddings yes, but not a holy dunking.

She shared their intense story about how her beloved husband became wheelchair bound.

She went on to say that he had not always been in a chair and with God’s help he would not be there forever. My new friend was very candid about the fact that the accident was caused after a night of reckless partying. She was very aware that she could have lost her husband that night but God had other plans.

Not once in our conversation did she talk about herself. I always put myself in someone’s situation and wonder how I would respond. This would more than likely be a permanent pity party situation for me. But, she just talked about how good God was to her family and has seen them through so much. She was excited about their future and knew they had an awesome testimony that would eventually help others one day.

She also knew she was still living their testimony and God wasn’t done yet.

We became friends on Facebook before we parted ways as the storm began to pass. I have been able to follow her family’s journey and ministry. Her husband is no longer completely bound to his chair. He can walk with the assistance of a cane. Watching the video of him walking felt like I was watching one of my own family members. It was so special.

There were so many lessons learned on this day. My new friend was living what most people would call a nightmare but she never complained and only spoke in a positive nature. Here was this lady with infectious joy that was so sincere. You would never know she was the main caregiver for a handicapped husband and young children. She was active in her church. She worked a full-time job too. Last, but not least, she was not a complainer and chose to find the positives in her storms.

What started out as an unpredictable stormy and gloomy day at the beach ended with much light and families being baptized in Gulf at sunset. God will shelter you from the storms of life and if you keep your eyes and your heart open you may meet some really amazing people while you are being sheltered.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge, in the shadow your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”  –  Psalm 57:1

Early Voting for the July 11, 2020 Election as of the Close-Of-Business on Thursday, July 2, 2020. 

You can VOTE Today and/or Saturday as Early Voting continues at the Courthouse.

TOTALS	In Person	Mail In
2,463	1,671	792

WHITE	BLACK	OTHER
1,256	1,136	71

• As reported by the Secretary of State

Rhodes Realty held a Success Seminar on June 26 to meet with all of its agents and discuss where the company is now and where it’s headed in the near future.

Chief Operations Officer Mario Fox discusses with agents the “Who Rhodes Is” as a Team/Company. He also talked about how to use Technology, Marketing, and Community concepts (TCM).

“The vision of our leaders and the successful stories of our Top Agents like Lulu David, Kathy Richmond, and Michael Deville made me excited about wanting to participate in the effort of being successful for not just me, but my family and clients,” he shared.

Rhodes knew the Covid pandemic was something the real estate industry had never encountered before, so they had to think of a creative way to meet with all their agents with the goal of providing learning experiences and motivation during these uncertain times.

“I love the support we receive from the Rhodes brokers and owners. They’re always wanting to better the brokerage,” said Lafayette Team Leader Lulu David. “All the Lafayette team really enjoyed the meeting and the party!”

Rhodes agents were happy to see that Covid-19 hadn’t affected the company’s production goals and that everything is on track to actually shatter some of those goals.

Guest speaker Amy Jones Kane, CEO and Founder of Burning Stick Creative, discussed the importance of self branding, and how to leave an everlasting impression. Her company is a full service advertising agency based out of Lafayette. There was also a panel of three of Rhodes’ top producing agents. This gave other/newer agents the opportunity to ask questions they’ve always wanted to in an open setting and gain as much knowledge as possible.

“Sitting in a room with men and women from all walks of life who have achieved such great success, and knowing you are a member of the team and your turn is coming is like pouring gas on a fire, said new Shreveport Agent Carlos Hartwell.

Fox said agents left the seminar motivated and excited to grow their brands and their business.

I’m looking forward to the next year seminar so that I can be a contributor to the Production Growth of 2020,” said Monroe Agent Donna Osborne. “It was pointed out that we are at $51.9 million this year already versus last year at $83.1 million. I’m looking forward to where we are going especially in my local area of Jackson Parish.”

At the heart of Rhodes success are its leaders Mario Fox, Rodrick McIntosh, James Rhodes and Justin Rhodes, who are professional and career focused for the company and their teams. They meet every Tuesday to discuss “How to make Rhodes Realty” better.

For more information call 318-238-3733. Rhodes Realty locations include Natchitoches, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Pineville, Monroe and Ruston.

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